Why are There “Sides” at a Wedding Ceremony?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Have you ever wondered why an usher asks you whether you want to sit on the bride’s side or the groom’s side of the church? In ancient times, marriages were sometimes arranged to bring peace to two feuding or warring tribes (or families or towns). In order to reduce tensions and possible fights before the wedding ceremony, the ushers would separate the bride's family from the groom's family.

Over the years, this traditional seating has given way to simply seating guests on a first come, first seated basis. Today, many couples are selecting alternative locations for their ceremony and the divided seating is impractical and in some cases impossible. Nowadays, guests just want to support the bride and groom as a couple and get a good seat to watch them tie the knot.

If you are interested in learning more about wedding traditions or securing your 2010, 2011, or 2012 ceremony and/or reception date, give us a call today!

Complete Your Bridal Look on March 6, 2010

from June Hoffman of Megasound

The Wedding Place is hosting their 12th Semi-Annual Veil and Headpiece Extravaganza this Saturday March 6th. At Megasound, I get some great opportunities to play music for other wedding related events. This is one of those types of events that I get to enjoy as much as the brides. I am spinning the tunes and MCing the event as well.

This pre-nuptial event is an excellent opportunity for brides to pick out finishing touches to their wedding look. It plans to be a wonderful time for you to check out more than just veils. The Wedding Place is featuring new, be-jeweled hair pins and gorgeous wispy feather pieces from the designers at Bella Trousseau. Fort Wayne brides will have the first look at these amazing adornments on Saturday. Bella Trousseau is only available at the Wedding Place.

Other goodies on schedule for March 6th include scrumptious wedding cake from Elegant Cakes by Carolyn and special gifts for each bride. Each registered bride also receives complimentary hair styling and makeup from Hair, Etc. Space is limited, so to reserve your spot, call 260-482-1250 today.

The “Veil and Headpiece Extravaganza” will be held at the Wedding Place which is located at 4618 Speedway Drive in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Reservations are required as the event runs from 10am-4pm this Saturday, March 6, 2010. Hope to see you there!!

Will Megasound be Around for MY Wedding?

from Erik Michaels of Megasound

Megasound has been in business continuously since 1985. Many DJ (disc jockey) companies come and go, but you will not have to worry whether we will still be in business the day of your wedding. We are committed to excellence and our clients.

It is true that many so-called DJ companies are not operating legally within the community which they serve. Most of these "moonlighters" do not carry insurance and offer very low prices. Once again, one usually gets what one pays for. A DJ who doesn't insure himself puts YOUR wedding at risk. If his equipment gets stolen, he is likely to contact his clients and cancel on them.

Megasound is also locally owned and operated right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We are not part of some franchise or any other company, so there is no risk of our company pulling up stakes and moving operations to some other location.

Megasound's Most Memorable Moments of 2008

With so many great weddings in 2008, it would hardly be fair to give labels like “best,” “favorite,” or “most awesome.” In some areas of wedding traditions it was very difficult to “pick” a wedding that was the most outstanding in terms of memories. I guess that means that a lot of our 2008 couples were really tremendous. Now that makes me happy! A big “thank you” to all of our 2008 brides and grooms. We wish you a wonderful New Year!!

And the winners are…

Most Memorable Ceremony:
This distinction most certainly goes to Jessica and Bill (married September 27th at the Foellinger Theater in Fort Wayne). This was truly a fun couple to work with to perform their wedding ceremony. Being on that huge stage with a fall-themed wedding was just the start. Not only was the ceremony truly a production, the recessional included sunglasses, dancing, and “I Feel Good” by James Brown rolling out of the theater speakers. Certainly a ceremony to remember!

Hottest Ceremony:
If you enjoyed warm temperatures last summer, then you would have been right at home during Samantha and Nicholas’ (married July 18th in Fort Wayne) wedding ceremony at the Botanical. Between formal attire and the humidity, we surely glistened at temperatures hitting almost 100 degrees. We restrained ourselves from taking a break under the waterfall for relief.

The Introduction was Unforgettable:
We have seen some interesting introductions in 2008, but I would say that Amanda and Ben’s (married August 23rd in Fort Wayne) was truly unforgettable. Amanda and Ben really love 80’s hair bands and Ben wore the wig to prove it during their introduction. His best man donned a mullet wig for the occasion as well. You talk about being fans...

Most Interesting Toast:

Melanie and Edwin (married October 25th in Auburn) traveled from North Carolina for their wedding. Their best man could not make the trip, so we were given a recorded toast to play for Melanie and Edwin. Not only was it a bit of a tear jerker, it was also followed up with Melanie and Edwin raising their glasses…um, I mean giant brandy snifters full of champagne for the event. Who can forget that one? In addition to their toast, their wedding was also memorable in the fact that they held a breaking of a pinata during their bouquet and garter toss tradition. Edwin was blindfolded, given a long stick, and instructed to hit the pinata with it!

Let Them Eat Cake:
With so many interesting “cake” moments in 2008, this category was a bit rough. With challengers like a Rice Krispies cake, cheesecakes, chocolate cake smiles, and even one groom licking the cake knife, who would have thought that picking only one would be so difficult. For most memorable though, we picked Sara and Logan’s (married May 24th in Hoagland) wedding with their adorable bride and groom life-like cakes. They were so endearing, it was a shame to even cut them let alone eat them.

First Dance:
Melissa and Jon’s (married September 20th in Huntertown) first dance was even more memorable because of the guests. We announced to clear the dance floor (as there were so many children playing) and have the kids take a seat around the outside of the dance floor. It was truly amazing to see all of the younger guests seated in front of the head table in awe watching Melissa and Jon’s special dance together. Almost brought a tear to this MC’s eye.

Parents Dance:
Hands down, Katy and Tom’s (married April 26th in Fort Wayne) wedding took center stage for the Father/Bride Dance. Katy’s parents came into the office the week before the wedding to record some special songs that we then in turn sampled into the Father/Bride song request. When Katy and her father were on the dance floor, everyone was amazed to “hear” Lewis’ voice singing “Army Lullabies.” We didn’t have a dry eye in the ballroom.

A Grand Exit:
Many couples leave their reception in a limousine. Cassie and Jason (married June 20th in Fort Wayne) concluded their reception with an awesome "balloon and sparklers" send off as they made their way to their limousine departure. So much celebration and revelry made this a wonderful conclusion to a great reception.

Twists on Tradition:
We had a tie for most memorable in this category.

Not only did Tricia and Justin (married May 10th in Fort Wayne) have beautiful wedding colors and awesome flowers and decorations, they had the neatest and most adorable table decor. They shared starts from an aloe plant with their guests. The symbolism in itself is very wedding-related as you must nurture and care for a plant as you must grow and tend to your marriage. Even seven months later, my assistants still talk about how big their aloe plant has gotten and how much Tricia and Justin cared for their guests.

Angie and Dennis' (married August 16th in Fort Wayne) wedding reception was about beauty, love, and celebration. Dennis called us about a week before their wedding to let us know that he would be “singing” right after the garter removal and toss to surprise Angie. I think that Dennis did more than surprise Angie, I think that everyone was awe-struck with his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” This was an awesome that Dennis shared with Angie, all of their guests, and us.

It is truly wonderful being a part of a bride and grooms' special day. These couples, along with so many others, over the last twenty-plus years have added so much joy to our lives at Megasound. So many of our 2008 couples had very creative ways to personalize their wedding day. It has been such an honor working with inspiring people. It just makes all of us at Megasound look forward to 2009 and the magic that we help create in the wonderful world of weddings. Happy 2008! And here is to a fantastic 2009!!

So You Want to get Married...In Allen County

When you are ready to get married you need to get the legal stuff in order before your big day. In Allen County, Indiana, brides and grooms have to make a trip to the Court House in downtown Fort Wayne. I wanted to give you the specifics and you can also call the Central Services Division (260-449-7245) with any questions.

I would suggest that you do not put off this important job until the last minute. The license is good for sixty (60) days from when you apply so mark you calendar and get your identification ready.

Residence
For Indiana residents, at least one applicant must reside in Allen County and provide documentation of residency. If applicants reside in a different Indiana county, you cannot apply in Allen County. Out of state residents may apply for a license in Allen County only if the marriage is performed in Allen County.

Location and Times
The female and male applicants, who wish to be married, must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in the Central Services Division, Room 201 - Second Floor, Allen County Courthouse, 715 South Calhoun Street. You may apply Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (The Courthouse is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and all legal holidays.)
You should allow a minimum of thirty (30) minutes to complete the application process.

Fees
Indiana residents: $18.00 Out of state residents: $60.00
A certified copy of your marriage license, for legal proof, may be obtained for $2.00. Make sure that you ask for this certified copy. It should come to you approximately thirty (30) days after the person solemnizing the ceremony files the license with the clerk’s office.

Required Documents – one or more of the following
· Valid operator's license or other state identification, showing date of birth and current Allen
County address
· Certified copy of birth certificate, or
· Passport, military identification, discharge papers, or
· Baptismal certificate, transcript of school record (different than a report card or diploma from a school). Both must indicate date of birth.

If the applicant does not have an updated driver’s license or identification does not provide an address, applicant must show proof of an Allen County address.

Age
Applicants under 18 years of age must have special consent. Call for complete requirements.

Marriage Ceremonies
Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town.

License Validity
You will receive the application the same day you apply, and it expires sixty (60) days after being issued. The application is valid only if the marriage is performed within the State of Indiana. Call our Central Services Division at (260) 449-7245, if you have additional questions.

Your Marriage Ceremony

Megasound also offers Officiants (ordained ministers) to take care of your wedding ceremony. So when you need help with the "legal part" of your wedding, you have options and details for all of your wedding needs.

Happy planning.

One Month until Knot Your Ordinary Bridal Show

In One Month…

I am very excited to be a part of the 3rd Knot Your Ordinary Bridal Show on Friday, September 19, 2008. Not only will I have a booth at the show for our DJ/MC/Officiant services, I will be the MC for the fashion show that evening. This is a great chance to see the new styles in wedding gowns, formal attire, flowers, guys in tuxedos, and much more. I always enjoy seeing the latest outfits for the wedding party. It is really a peak into what my future couples will be wearing at their wedding.

I also get to select upbeat, family-friendly music that is appealing for a runway event. Like a wedding ceremony or reception, a runway show has unique songs that must feature positive message lyrics. In the past, I have coordinated themed music for runway shows such as “disco,” “dance,” and “classics.”

With it being a month before the show, it is time to start pulling together the music ideas for this upcoming event. It is amazing the amount of work that it takes to find just the right songs that are appealing to the masses and still make the musical experience flow with the attire. Who knows what musical gems will be played on the 19th? Hope to see you there.

Knot Your Ordinary Bridal Show

Presented by the Wedding Connection,
Majic 95.1, and Ceruti’s Catering

Friday, September 19, 2008
Ceruti’s at Summit Park
6601 Innovation
Fort Wayne, Indiana

5:30pm-9pm

For the brides who deserve more than just ordinary
One stop wedding planning featuring photographers, video, venues, caterers, cakes, floral, fashions, DJ’s, Officiants, and more.

8pm New York Style Runway Show
Presented by The Wedding Place and Shoe of a Different Color
Flowers by One of a Kind Events
MC by Megasound

Tickets are $6 per person and available at the door
Free parking

Photos courtesy of Photo Artistry by Judy

For more information:
Call 260-402-1533 or email june.hoffman@gmail.com